Composition containing a natural extract

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a composition containing an active ingredient or ingredients comprising an extract or extracts of one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of  Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix , rose, rhubarb,  Acanthopanax senticosus  and  cortex Phellodendri . The composition is efficacious in suppressing acneiform pigment deposition and/or pitted scars, and can be used to advantage in various ways in the fields of cosmetics, foods and drugs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a composition containing one or moreextracts selected from the group consisting of Astragalus membranaceus,Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanaxsenticosus and Phellodendri cortex as active ingredients.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, acne is caused by increased sebum production owing toincreased androgen production. Specifically, sebum production byandrogen and hyperkeratinization of follicles result in narrowing orand, in severe cases, blocking the follicles. When the follicle isnarrowed or blocked, sebum cannot be excreted from the follicle,creating microcomedones. In these conditions, the anaerobic bacteriumPropionibacterium acnes growing in the follicle may cause inflammation.

As a result of the inflammation, erythema, itching or swelling occursand, in severe cases, hyperpigmentation may occur. If the acne issqueezed or pressed, the inflammation may aggravate as the comedonebursts. Also, it is highly likely that acne scar develops as a result oftissue damage.

The inflammatory acne may be induced by various causes. For example,various additives included in cosmetics may cause inflammatory acne whenthey remain on the skin. Also, sebum excreted from the body, sweat, UV,etc. may cause skin inflammations.

Currently, researches are focused only on the treatment of theinflammation caused by the inflammatory acne. However, even after theinflammation is treated, erythema or scar may remain and cause negativeeffects in appearance. Thus, the inventors of the present disclosureperformed researches to suppress or prevent pigmentation and scarringcaused by inflammatory acne.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The present disclosure is directed to providing a composition forsuppressing acnegenic pigmentation.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a composition forsuppressing acne scars.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing an aftercarecomposition for aftereffect of acne.

Technical Solution

In one general aspect, the present disclosure provides a compositioncontaining one or more extracts selected from the group consisting ofAstragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex as activeingredients.

Advantageous Effects

The composition according to the present disclosure is effective insuppressing acnegenic pigmentation and/or scars.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of an Astragalusmembranaceus extract for GM-CSF (FIG. 1), IL-1α (FIG. 2), IL-8 (FIG. 3)and TNF-α (FIG. 4);

FIGS. 5-8 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of a Saururuschinensis extract for GM-CSF (FIG. 5), IL-1α (FIG. 6), IL-8 (FIG. 7) andTNF-α (FIG. 8);

FIGS. 9-12 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of aGlycyrrhizae radix extract for GM-CSF (FIG. 9), IL-1α (FIG. 10), IL-8(FIG. 11) and TNF-α (FIG. 12);

FIGS. 13-16 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of a roseextract for GM-CSF (FIG. 13), IL-1α (FIG. 14), IL-8 (FIG. 15) and TNF-α(FIG. 16);

FIGS. 17-20 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of a rhubarbextract for GM-CSF (FIG. 17), IL-1α (FIG. 18), IL-8 (FIG. 19) and TNF-α(FIG. 20);

FIGS. 21-24 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of anAcanthopanax senticosus extract for GM-CSF (FIG. 21), IL-1α (FIG. 22),IL-8 (FIG. 23) and TNF-α (FIG. 24);

FIGS. 25-28 show inflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect of anPhellodendri cortex extract for GM-CSF (FIG. 25), IL-1α (FIG. 26), IL-8(FIG. 27) and TNF-α (FIG. 28);

FIG. 29 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of an Astragalusmembranaceus extract;

FIG. 30 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of a Saururus chinensisextract;

FIG. 31 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of a Glycyrrhizae radixextract;

FIG. 32 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of a rose extract;

FIG. 33 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of a rhubarb extract;

FIG. 34 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of an Acanthopanaxsenticosus extract;

FIG. 35 shows sebum production inhibiting effect of a Phellodendricortex extract;

FIG. 36 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of an Astragalusmembranaceus extract;

FIG. 37 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of a Saururuschinensis extract;

FIG. 38 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of a Glycyrrhizaeradix extract;

FIG. 39 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of a roseextract;

FIG. 40 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of a rhubarbextract;

FIG. 41 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of anAcanthopanax senticosus extract;

FIG. 42 shows acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of a Phellodendricortex extract;

FIGS. 43-45 show acne scar inhibiting effect of an Astragalusmembranaceus extract;

FIGS. 46-48 show acne scar inhibiting effect of a Saururus chinensisextract; and

FIGS. 49-51 show acne scar inhibiting effect of a Glycyrrhizae radixextract.

BEST MODE

The composition according to the present disclosure contains one or moreextracts selected from the group consisting of Astragalus membranaceus,Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanaxsenticosus and Phellodendri cortex as active ingredients. Thecomposition containing one or more extracts selected from the groupconsisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizaeradix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortexhas an effect of inhibiting and suppressing acnegenic pigmentationand/or acne scars. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition accordingto the present disclosure is a composition for suppressing acnegenicpigmentation containing one or more extracts selected from the groupconsisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizaeradix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex asactive ingredients. In another exemplary embodiment, the compositionaccording to the present disclosure is a composition for suppressingacne scars containing one or more extracts selected from the groupconsisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis andGlycyrrhizae radix as active ingredients.

Astragalus membranaceus is a dicotyledonous perennial grass belonging tothe family Fabaceae, order Fabales. It grows between rocks in mountains,is about 40-70 cm tall, and is distributed in Korea, Japan, NortheastChina, Eastern Siberia, and so forth. In the Oriental medicine, theplant is harvested in autumn and used after removing the head and roothairs followed by drying in the sunlight.

Saururus chinensis is a dicotyledonous perennial grass belonging to thefamily Saururus, order Piperales. The white rhizome grows transverselyin the mud. It is 50-100 cm tall and blossoms in June to August. Theplant grows mainly on damp ground, and its Chinese name meaning “threewhite grass” is derived because its root, leaves and flowers are white.It is known to be efficacious against beriberi, jaundice, hepatitis, orthe like, and is distributed in Korea, Japan and China.

Glycyrrhizae radix (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is a dicotyledonous herbbelonging to the family Fabaceae and is widely used as medicinal plants.In addition to Korea, it is distributed in Northeast China, Siberia andMongolia. The angular stem is straight and grows about 1 m tall. Theleaves are alternate and imparipinnately compound. The purple flowersbloom in July to August, and are 1.4-2.5 cm long. The reddish brown rootgrows deep into the ground, tastes sweet, and is used as sweetening ormedicinal herb.

Rose (Rosa spp.) collectively refers to dicotyledonous plants belongingto the family Rosaceae, order Rosales, both wild and cultivated. Rose isa flowering shrub, cultivated for its beauty fragrance. A variety ofspecies are widely cultivated from the arctic to the subarctic,temperate and subtropical zones of the northern hemisphere.

Rhubarb (Rheum undulatum) refers to perennial grasses belonging to thefamily Polygonaceae, order Caryophyllales. Rhubarb grows mainly on dampground in valleys and is native to China. It has thick yellow root andthe straight stem grows as high as 1 m. Its taproot is mainly used asmedicine. The taproot is cut and dried for medicinal use either afterremoving the bark and fine roots or as it is. It is used as ananti-inflammatory purgative and for many other purposes.

Acanthopanax senticosus is a deciduous shrub of the family Araliaceae.It is about 2-3 m tall. Acanthopanax senticosus has long and thin thornsand has palm-shaped alternate compound leaves. In the generic nameAcanthopanax, the prefix acantho—means ‘thorny’ and Panax means‘all-heal’. That is, the generic name means ‘all-healing horny plant’.From long ago, the plant has been widely to treat neuralgia, arthritis,hypertension, neurasthenia and diabetes and as a tonic.

Phellodendri cortex refers to the bark of Phellodendron amurense used asmedicine. Phellodendron amurense is a deciduous broadleaf tree of thefamily Rutaceae. It grows about 10 m tall. The bark is rich in cork andthe inner bark is yellow. Phellodendri cortex is obtained by peeling thebark around the summer solstice and drying in the sunlight afterchopping. Phellodendri cortex is known to reduce blood sugar, inhibitgrowth of Pneumococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus,etc., inhibit proliferation of tumor cells, and has sterilizing effect.Phellodendri cortex is also known to promote secretion of gastric juicevia palate reflex and improve appetite.

The extract may be obtained according to commonly employed methods,without particular limitation. In an exemplary embodiment, the extractof one or more selected from the group consisting of Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb,Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex may be extracted usingdistilled water or an organic solvent such as C₁-C₅ anhydrous or hydrouslow alcohol. In another exemplary embodiment, the extract may beobtained by hot water extraction. The extraction efficiency of the hotwater extraction may be improved by setting vacuum and high-pressureconditions.

In another exemplary embodiment, the extract of one or more selectedfrom the group consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensisand Glycyrrhizae radix has an effect of inhibiting gelatinase.Gelatinase is a proteolytic enzyme expressed in various molds or yeaststhat allows for liquefaction of gelatin. The kind of the gelatinase isnot particularly limited. The gelatinases that are expressed in humansinclude matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and matrixmetalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). In another exemplary embodiment, theextract of one or more selected from the group consisting of Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis and Glycyrrhizae radix has an effect ofinhibiting MMP-9 and/or MMP-2. The composition according to the presentdisclosure suppresses and prevents acne scars by inhibiting gelatinase,specifically MMP-9 and/or MMP-2.

The composition according to the present disclosure may be used invarious applications without particular limitation. For example, it maybe prepared into formulations for external skin application,specifically cosmetics, or pharmaceutical compositions.

The composition for external skin application according to the presentdisclosure may be in the form of a solution in an oily or aqueousmedium, a suspension, an emulsion, or a dry powder that can be dissolvedin sterilized water before use. A water-in-oil emulsion may be preparedby emulsifying the active ingredient in an oil phase such as a vegetableoil like olive oil or a mineral oil like liquid paraffin using anaturally occurring phospholipid such as soybean lecithin, an anhydroushexitol such as sorbitan monooleate, a fatty acid-derived ester, or acondensation product of an anhydrous hexitol- and fatty acid-derivedester with ethylene oxide such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate asan emulsifier.

In an exemplary embodiment, the composition according to the presentdisclosure for external skin application may comprise the extract ofAstragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex in an amount of0.1-20 wt %, more specifically 0.5-20 wt %, based on the total weight ofthe composition. When the content of the extract is too small, theeffect of managing and improving skin condition is only slight. And,when the content of the extract is too large, the efficiency of addingthe extract is decreased and stability problem may occur.

The present disclosure also provides a cosmetic composition comprisingthe composition. When the composition is formulated into a cosmeticcomposition, it may be used to suppress or improve acnegenicpigmentation. Also, it may be used to suppress or improve acne scarring.The cosmetic composition may be in any form without particularlimitation. For example, the cosmetic composition may be in the form ofemollient lotion, nourishing lotion, massage cream, nourishing cream,pack, gel, or skin adhesive type cosmetic. Also, it may be in the formof formulation for transdermal administration such as lotion, ointment,gel, cream, patch or spray. Those skilled in the art may easily addother ingredients considering the type or purpose of each formulation orcosmetic composition.

The present disclosure further provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the composition. The pharmaceutical composition comprisingthe composition according to the present disclosure may be a compositionfor improving and suppressing acnegenic pigmentation and/or acne scars.

When the composition according to the present disclosure is used asmedicine, an organic or inorganic carrier may be added to thecomposition as the active ingredient to prepare a solid, semisolid orliquid type formulation for oral or parenteral administration.

The formulation for oral administration may be tablet, pill, granule,hard or soft capsule, powder, fine powder, dust, emulsion, syrup,pellet, or the like. And, the formulation for parenteral administrationmay be injection, drip, ointment, lotion, spray, suspension, emulsion,suppository, or the like. The formulation may be prepared easilyaccording to commonly employed methods and surfactant, excipient,colorant, fragrance, preservative, stabilizer, buffer, suspending agentor other commonly used adjuvants may be used appropriately.

The pharmaceutical composition according to the present disclosure maybe administered orally, rectally, topically, transdermally,intravenously, intramuscularly, intraabdominally or subcutaneously.

And, the administration dosage of the active ingredient will varydepending on the age, sex and body weight of the subject to be treated,the specific disease or physiological condition to be treated, theseverity of the disease or physiological condition, the route ofadministration, and the discretion of a diagnoser. The determination ofthe administration dosage based on these factors is within the level ofthose skilled in the art. A general administration dosage is 0.001-2000mg/kg/day, more specifically 0.5-1500 mg/kg/day.

The present disclosure also provides an aftercare composition containingan active ingredient or ingredients comprising an extract or extracts ofone or more constituents selected from the group consisting ofAstragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex. Morespecifically, the present disclosure also provides an aftercarecomposition for systematically treating aftereffect of acne such aspigmentation and/or scars and managing and improving skin condition.

In an exemplary embodiment, the aftercare composition according to thepresent disclosure may comprise the extract of Astragalus membranaceus,Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanaxsenticosus or Phellodendri cortex in an amount of 0.1-20 wt %, morespecifically 0.5-20 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.When the content of the extract is too small, the effect of managing andimproving skin condition is only slight. And, when the content of theextract is too large, the efficiency of adding the extract is decreasedand stability problem may occur.

As used herein, the term ‘aftercare’ refers to a systematicpost-management for managing and improving skin condition. For example,after vacation at the riverside, beach or valley or after long hours oftanning, inflammation may occur as the skin is excessively exposed toUV. Also, various additives included in sun cream, oil, or the like mayinduce inflammatory acne when they remain on the skin. In addition, skintroubles including inflammatory acne may be caused by various causes indaily lives. The aftercare collectively refers to the post-managementfor managing and improving skin condition against the skin troublesincluding inflammatory acne. And, the aftercare composition may be acomposition that is adhered, deposited or applied on the skin foraftercare.

The present disclosure further provides a food additive, functional foodor health food composition comprising the composition. Specifically, thecomposition may be a composition for improving and suppressing acnegenicpigmentation and/or scars.

The composition according to the present disclosure may be a foodadditive or functional food composition of various forms. It may beprocessed into fermented milk, cheese, yogurt, juice, probiotic, dietarysupplement, and various food additives.

In an exemplary embodiment, the composition may comprise otheringredients that can provide a synergic effect as long as they do notnegatively affect the effect desired in the present disclosure. Forexample, fragrance, pigment, sterilizer, antioxidant, antiseptic,moisturizer, thickener, mineral, emulsifier, synthetic polymer material,etc. may be further included for improvement of physical properties. Inaddition, auxiliary ingredients such as water-soluble vitamin,oil-soluble vitamin, polypeptide, polysaccharide, seaweed extract, orthe like may be further included. Those skilled in the art will selectthese ingredients without difficulty and the addition amount may beselected within the range not negatively affecting the effect desired inthe present disclosure.

The composition according to the present disclosure may be in variousforms, including solution, emulsion, viscous mixture, tablet, powder,etc., and may be administered in various ways, including simpledrinking, injection, spraying, squeezing, or the like.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The examples and experiments will now be described. The followingexamples and experiments are for illustrative purposes only and notintended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

Example 1 Preparation of Astragalus membranaceus Extract

8-year-old Astragalus membranaceus was harvested and crushed afterwashing and drying. Astragalus membranaceus was mixed with water andextracted at 80° C. for 6-8 hours in a vacuum high-pressure ceramicapparatus. The resulting extract was centrifuged and filtered to removeimpurities. Then, 1,3-butylene glycol was added to prepare an Astragalusmembranaceus extract.

Example 2 Preparation of Saururus chinensis Extract

The root of Saururus chinensis was washed, dried well, and thenextracted for 7 days in 10 times the volume of ethanol at roomtemperature. The extract was filtered through a 250-mesh (3-μm) filterand then concentrated at 60° C. The concentrate was dissolved in waterand ethyl acetate was added. After phase separation, the ethyl acetatelayer was separated and concentrated again at 60° C. After addingmethylene chloride to the concentrate, the resulting solution wasprecipitated twice in a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to removeimpurities. After column fractionation, the resulting fraction wasrepeatedly concentrated at 60° C. and then at 30° C. under reducedpressure to completely remove the remaining solvent. Then, the resultantwas dissolved in butylene glycol to a concentration of 2%. The resultingsolution was further filtered and precipitated to prepare a Saururuschinensis extract.

Example 3 Preparation of Glycyrrhizae radix Extract

The root of Glycyrrhizae radix was washed well and extracted byimmersing in ethanol. The extract was filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. The concentrated extract was re-extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate fraction was separated using a resin column,filtered, concentrated and dried to prepare a Glycyrrhizae radixextract.

Example 4 Preparation of Rose Extract

The petal of rose was washed well, dried, and then extracted with hotwater, propylene glycol or a mixture thereof. The resulting extract wasrepeatedly concentrated under reduced pressure and spray dried until theremaining solvent was completely removed and a rose extract was obtainedas powder.

Example 5 Preparation of Rhubarb Extract

Rhubarb (1 kg) was added to purified water (20 kg) and extracted at 25°C. for 24 hours. After precipitating the extract at 0-4° C. for 24hours, filtering through a 250-mesh filter and removing color and odorfrom the filtrate using activated carbon, the filtrate was furtherfiltered repeatedly to prepare a rhubarb extract.

Example 6 Preparation of Acanthopanax senticosus Extract

Acanthopanax senticosus (1 kg) was added to purified water (20 kg) andextracted at 25° C. for 24 hours. After precipitating the extract at0-4° C. for 24 hours, filtering through a 250-mesh filter and removingcolor and odor from the filtrate using activated carbon, the filtratewas further filtered repeatedly to prepare an Acanthopanax senticosusextract.

Example 7 Preparation of Phellodendri Cortex Extract

Phellodendri cortex (1 kg) was added to purified water (20 kg) andextracted at 25° C. for 24 hours. After precipitating the extract at0-4° C. for 24 hours, filtering through a 250-mesh filter and removingcolor and odor from the filtrate using activated carbon, the filtratewas further filtered repeatedly to prepare a Phellodendri cortexextract.

Test Example 1 Cell Culturing

Sebocytes were acquired from the sebaceous gland of the ear of a5-week-old male golden hamster according to Sato et al.'s method (JInvest Dermatol 2001, 117: 965-70). The sebocytes were cultured in aculture flask to 2.35×10⁴ cells/cm².

The culture medium was prepared by adding 10% fetal bovine serum (JRHBioscience, Tokyo, Japan) to DMEM/Ham's F12 medium (DMEM/F12) (1:1,Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and then adding 0.68 mM L-glutamine(Invitrogen) and 10 nM recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF;Progen Biotechnik GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany).

100 mg/mL penicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin (both from Gibco, Milan,Italy) were used as antibiotics. It took 24 hours for the hamstersebocytes to completely adhere to the culture flask. Then, the cellswere incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO₂.

Human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT was cultured under the condition of37° C. and 5% CO₂ in DMEM medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) wherein10% fetal bovine serum (JRH Bioscience, Tokyo, Japan) and 100 mg/mLpenicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin (both from Gibco, Milan, Italy)were added.

C57BL/6J mouse-derived melanocyte Melan-a cells were cultured under thecondition of 37° C. and 10% CO₂ in RPMI-1640 medium (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.) wherein 10% fetal bovine serum (JRH Bioscience, Tokyo,Japan) and 200 nM tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), 100 mg/mLpenicillin and streptomycin 100 mg/mL (all from Gibco, Milan, Italy)were added.

Test Example 2 Inhibition of Inflammatory Acne In Vitro

An in vitro inflammation model similar to the human acne environment wasused with sebocytes and keratinocytes to effectively test theinflammatory acne inhibiting effect of the Astragalus membranaceus,Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanaxsenticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts. HaCaT keratinocytes andgolden hamster sebocytes were seeded on a 24-well culture plate, with3.75×10⁴ cells and 6.0×10⁴ cells, respectively. The cells were allowedto adhere to the bottom of the culture plate for one day. The culturemedium was prepared by adding 10% fetal bovine serum (JRH Bioscience,Tokyo, Japan) to DMEM/Ham's F12 medium (1:1, Invitrogen, Carlsbad,Calif.) and then adding 100 mg/mL penicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin(both from Gibco, Milan, Italy).

After one day, the cells were treated with 50 μM linoleic acid, 50 μMarachidonic acid, 10 nM dihydrotestosterone, and 0.5% Propionibacteriumacnes (P. acnes) as stimulants to induce inflammatory acne. At the sametime, the cells were treated with Astragalus membranaceus, Saururuschinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus orPhellodendri cortex extract, and their inflammatory acne inhibitingeffect was investigated. DMSO was used as negative control, and 100 nMisotretinoin, which is a prescription drug used to treat acne, was usedas positive control. One day after the treatment with the stimulants andthe extracts, the concentration of the inflammatory cytokines(granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)),interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosisfactor-alpha (TNF-α) released from the culture medium was measured bymultiplex bead-based cytokine assay in a 50 μl medium.

Specifically, the procedure was as follows. After wetting a 96-wellfilter plate with a washing buffer, the solution was completely removedusing a vacuum pump. Then, the cell culture medium was reacted for 30minutes with antibody-conjugated beads. After the reaction wascompleted, detection antibody was added and reaction was performed foranother 30 minutes. Then, streptavidin-phycoerythrin (PE) was added toeach well. After waiting for 30 minutes, the streptavidin-PE remainingunattached was removed using a washing buffer and the quantity of thecytokines attached to the beads was measuring using Bio-Plex 200.

The result for the Astragalus membranaceus extract is shown in FIG. 1(GM-CSF), FIG. 2 (IL-1α), FIG. 3 (IL-8) and FIG. 4 (TNF-α). Referring toFIGS. 1-4, the Astragalus membranaceus extract inhibits the inflammatorycytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. Especially, as seen fromFIG. 1, the Astragalus membranaceus extract inhibits GM-SCF comparablyto the prescription drug isotretinoin.

The result for the Saururus chinensis extract is shown in FIG. 5(GM-CSF), FIG. 6 (IL-1α), FIG. 7 (IL-8) and FIG. 8 (TNF-α). Referring toFIGS. 5-8, the Saururus chinensis extract inhibits the inflammatorycytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. As seen from FIG. 6, theeffect for IL-1α was superior only below 50 ppm.

The result for the Glycyrrhizae radix extract is shown in FIG. 9(GM-CSF), FIG. 10 (IL-1α), FIG. 11 (IL-8) and FIG. 12 (TNF-α). Referringto FIGS. 9-12, the Glycyrrhizae radix extract shows the bestinflammatory cytokine inhibiting effect at 25 ppm. Accordingly, it canbe seen that the Glycyrrhizae radix extract effectively inhibits theinflammatory cytokines even at relatively low concentrations.

The result for the rose extract is shown in FIG. 13 (GM-CSF), FIG. 14(IL-1α), FIG. 15 (IL-8) and FIG. 16 (TNF-α). Referring to FIGS. 13-16,the rose extract inhibits the inflammatory cytokines in aconcentration-dependent manner.

The result for the rhubarb extract is shown in FIG. 17 (GM-CSF), FIG. 18(IL-1α), FIG. 19 (IL-8) and FIG. 20 (TNF-α). Referring to FIGS. 17-20,the rhubarb extract inhibits the inflammatory cytokines in aconcentration-dependent manner.

The result for the Acanthopanax senticosus extract is shown in FIG. 21(GM-CSF), FIG. 22 (IL-1α), FIG. 23 (IL-8) and FIG. 24 (TNF-α). Referringto FIGS. 21-24, the Acanthopanax senticosus extract inhibits theinflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner.

And, the result for the Phellodendri cortex extract is shown in FIG. 25(GM-CSF), FIG. 26 (IL-1α), FIG. 27 (IL-8) and FIG. 28 (TNF-α). Referringto FIGS. 25-28, the Phellodendri cortex extract inhibits theinflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner.

Test Example 3 Inhibition of Sebum Production In Vitro

An in vitro inflammation model similar to the human acne environment wasused with sebocytes and keratinocytes to effectively test the sebumproduction inhibiting effect of the Astragalus membranaceus, Saururuschinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosusand Phellodendri cortex extracts. HaCaT keratinocytes and golden hamstersebocytes were seeded on a 24-well culture plate, with 3.75×10⁴ cellsand 6.0×10⁴ cells, respectively. The cells were allowed to adhere to thebottom of the culture plate for one day. The culture medium was preparedby adding 10% fetal bovine serum (JRH Bioscience, Tokyo, Japan) toDMEM/Ham's F12 medium (1:1, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and thenadding 100 mg/mL penicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin (both from Gibco,Milan, Italy).

After one day, the cells were treated with 50 μM linoleic acid, 50 μMarachidonic acid, 10 nM dihydrotestosterone, and 0.5% Propionibacteriumacnes (P. acnes) as stimulants to induce inflammatory acne. At the sametime, the cells were treated with Astragalus membranaceus, Saururuschinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus orPhellodendri cortex extract respectively, and their sebum productioninhibiting effect was investigated. DMSO was used as negative control,and 100 nM isotretinoin, which is a prescription drug used to treatacne, was used as positive control. One day after the treatment with thestimulants and the extracts, the quantity of neutral lipids produced inthe cells was measured by Oil Red O staining.

Specifically, the procedure was as follows. The cells were washed withPBS and fixed in a 3.7% formaldehyde solution for 30 minutes. The fixedcells were washed 3 times with PBS and once with 70% ethanol and thenstained with 0.4% Oil Red O solution for 30 minutes. The stained cellswere washed once with 70% ethanol and then 3 times with PBS. Then, afterdissolving the Oil Red O solution with isopropanol, absorbance wasmeasured at 520 nm using a spectrophotometer.

The result for the Astragalus membranaceus extract is shown in FIG. 29.Referring to FIG. 29, the Astragalus membranaceus extract is effectivein inhibiting sebum production. Especially, it exhibits superior sebumproduction inhibiting effect at 5 ppm or above.

The result for the Saururus chinensis extract is shown in FIG. 30.Referring to FIG. 30, the Saururus chinensis extract inhibits sebumproduction in a concentration-dependent manner. It exhibits significantsebum production inhibiting effect at 50 ppm or above.

The result for the Glycyrrhizae radix extract is shown in FIG. 31.Referring to FIG. 31, the Glycyrrhizae radix extract exhibits sebuminhibiting effect even at relatively low concentrations.

The result for the rose extract is shown in FIG. 32. Referring to FIG.32, the rose extract inhibits sebum production in aconcentration-dependent manner.

The result for the rhubarb extract is shown in FIG. 33. Referring toFIG. 33, the rhubarb extract inhibits sebum production in aconcentration-dependent manner.

The result for the Acanthopanax senticosus extract is shown in FIG. 34.Referring to FIG. 34, the Acanthopanax senticosus extract inhibits sebumproduction in a concentration-dependent manner.

And, the result for the Phellodendri cortex extract is shown in FIG. 35.Referring to FIG. 35, the Phellodendri cortex extract inhibits sebumproduction in a concentration-dependent manner. Especially, it exhibitssignificant sebum production inhibiting effect at 250 ppm.

Test Example 4 Inhibition of Acnegenic Pigmentation In Vitro

An in vitro model similar to the environment of pigmentation inducedfrom inflammatory acne of human was used with melanocytes to effectivelytest the acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect of the Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb,Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts. 5.0×10⁴Melan-a melanocytes were seeded on a 24-well culture plate. The cellswere allowed to adhere to the bottom of the culture plate for one day.The culture medium was prepared by adding 10% fetal bovine serum (JRHBioscience, Tokyo, Japan) to RPMI-1640 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.)and then adding 200 nM tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), 100 mg/mLpenicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin (all from Gibco, Milan, Italy).

After one day, the cells were treated with 50 μM linoleic acid, 50 μMarachidonic acid, 10 nM dihydrotestosterone, and 0.5% Propionibacteriumacnes (P. acnes) as stimulants to induce acnegenic pigmentation andcultured for 5 days. Then, the cells were treated with Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb,Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract respectively, andtheir acnegenic pigmentation inhibiting effect was investigated. DMSOwas used as negative control, and 1 μM hydroquinone and 200 ppm kojicacid were used as positive control. Hydroquinone is a prescription drugused as a melanin inhibitor. And, kojic acid has whitening effect and isoften used in cosmetic compositions. However, kojic acid may causestrong stimulation to the skin and is recently reported to have thepossibility of causing various cancers. 5 days after the treatment withthe extracts, melanin was dissolved by treating with 1 N NaOH andabsorbance was measured at 405 nm using a spectrophotometer.

The result for the Astragalus membranaceus extract is shown in FIG. 36.Referring to FIG. 36, the Astragalus membranaceus extract inhibitspigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner. At 5 ppm, the degreeof pigmentation was even lower than hydroquinone which is used as aprescription drug. Especially, at 25 ppm, the degree of pigmentation waseven lower than the control group not treated with any stimulant.Accordingly, it can be seen that the Astragalus membranaceus extract hassuperior pigmentation inhibiting effect and skin whitening effect.

The result for the Saururus chinensis extract is shown in FIG. 37.Referring to FIG. 37, the Saururus chinensis extract inhibitspigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner. Especially, at 5 ppm,the pigmentation inhibiting effect was very superior, with the degree ofpigmentation even lower than the control group not treated with anystimulant. Accordingly, it can be seen that the Saururus chinensisextract has superior pigmentation inhibiting effect and skin whiteningeffect.

The result for the Glycyrrhizae radix extract is shown in FIG. 38.Referring to FIG. 38, the Glycyrrhizae radix extract inhibitspigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner. Especially, at 250ppm, the pigmentation inhibiting effect was very superior, with thedegree of pigmentation even lower than the control group not treatedwith any stimulant. Accordingly, it can be seen that the Glycyrrhizaeradix extract has very superior pigmentation inhibiting effect and skinwhitening effect.

The result for the rose extract is shown in FIG. 39. Referring to FIG.39, the rose extract inhibits pigmentation in a concentration-dependentmanner. Especially, at 250 ppm, the pigmentation inhibiting effect wasvery superior, with the degree of pigmentation even lower than thecontrol group not treated with any stimulant. Accordingly, it can beseen that the rose extract has very superior pigmentation inhibitingeffect and skin whitening effect.

The result for the rhubarb extract is shown in FIG. 40. Referring toFIG. 40, the rhubarb extract broadly inhibits pigmentation in aconcentration-dependent manner. The pigmentation inhibiting effect wasthe highest at 50 ppm. Accordingly, it can be seen that the rhubarbextract has superior pigmentation inhibiting effect at relatively lowconcentration and is expected to have significant skin whitening effect.

The result for the Acanthopanax senticosus extract is shown in FIG. 41.Referring to FIG. 41, the Acanthopanax senticosus extract broadlyinhibits pigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner. Thepigmentation inhibiting effect was the highest at 250 ppm. Accordingly,it can be seen that the Acanthopanax senticosus extract has excellentpigmentation inhibiting effect and skin whitening effect.

And, the result for the Phellodendri cortex extract is shown in FIG. 42.Referring to FIG. 42, the Phellodendri cortex extract broadly inhibitspigmentation in a concentration-dependent manner. The pigmentationinhibiting effect was the highest at 250 ppm. Accordingly, it can beseen that the Phellodendri cortex extract has excellent pigmentationinhibiting effect and skin whitening effect.

Test Example 5 Inhibition of Acne Scars In Vitro

An in vitro acne scars model similar to the human acne environment wasused to test the acne scar inhibiting effect of the Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis and Glycyrrhizae radix extracts.6.0×10⁴ golden hamster sebocytes were seeded on a 24-well culture plate.The cells were allowed to adhere to the bottom of the culture plate forone day. The culture medium was prepared by adding 10% fetal bovineserum (JRH Bioscience, Tokyo, Japan) to DMEM/Ham's F12 medium (1:1,Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and then adding 100 mg/mL penicillin and100 mg/mL streptomycin (both from Gibco, Milan, Italy).

After one day, the cells were treated with 50 μM linoleic acid, 50 μMarachidonic acid, 10 nM dihydrotestosterone, and 0.5% Propionibacteriumacnes (P. acnes) as stimulants to induce inflammatory acne. At the sametime, the cells were treated with Astragalus membranaceus, Saururuschinensis or Glycyrrhizae radix extract, and their acne scar inhibitingeffect was investigated. DMSO was used as negative control, and 100 nMisotretinoin, which is a prescription drug used to treat acne, was usedas positive control. One day after the treatment with the stimulants andthe extracts, the degradation activity of gelatin of matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP) which is dissolved to medium was measured bygelatin zymography.

Specifically, the procedure was as follows. 5 μL of the cell medium wasmixed with 5 μL of tris-glycine sample buffer (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,Calif.) and subjected to electrophoresis on 10% acrylamide gelcontaining 2 mg/mL gelatin for 2 hours at 150 V. After separating thegel from a frame and reacting with a renaturing buffer for 30 minutesand then with a developing buffer for 30 minutes at room temperature, itwas further incubated at 37° C. for 8 hours in a developing buffer.After removing the developing buffer and washing 3 times with PBS, thegel was stained with SimplyBlue (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) for 1hour. The stained gel was washed with distilled water until the band wassufficiently distinguished from the background and then observed.

The result for the Astragalus membranaceus extract is shown in FIGS.43-45. From FIG. 43, MMP-9 and MMP-2 separated by the electrophoresiscan be identified. From FIG. 44, it can be seen that the Astragalusmembranaceus extract has MMP-9 inhibiting effect. And, from FIG. 45, itcan be seen that the Astragalus membranaceus extract has better MMP-2inhibiting effect than isotretinoin, which is a prescription drug widelyused to treat acne.

The result for the Saururus chinensis extract is shown in FIGS. 46-48.From FIG. 46, MMP-9 and MMP-2 separated by the electrophoresis can beidentified. From FIGS. 47 and 48, it can be seen that the Saururuschinensis extract has MMP-9 and MMP-2 inhibiting effect. The inhibitingeffect is comparable to that of isotretinoin, which is a prescriptiondrug widely used to treat acne.

And, the result for the Glycyrrhizae radix extract is shown in FIGS.49-51. From FIG. 49, MMP-9 and MMP-2 separated by the electrophoresiscan be identified. From FIGS. 50 and 51 show the MMP-9 and MMP-2inhibiting effect of the Glycyrrhizae radix extract. Especially, theGlycyrrhizae radix extract has superior MMP-2 inhibiting effect.

The following formulation examples of the composition are provided forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the presentdisclosure.

Formulation Example 1 Preparation of Soft Capsule

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (80 mg),vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), palm oil (2 mg), hydrogenatedvegetable oil (8 mg), yellow beeswax (4 mg) and lecithin (9 mg) weremixed and prepared into a soft capsule filling solution according to thecommonly employed method. 400 mg of the filling solution was filled pereach capsule to prepare a soft capsule. Separately from this, a softcapsule sheet was prepared from gelatin (66 wt %), glycerin 24 (wt %)and sorbitol (10 wt %). Then, the filling solution was filled to preparea soft capsule containing 400 mg of the composition according to thepresent disclosure.

Formulation Example 2 Preparation of Tablet

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (80 mg),vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), galactooligosaccharide (200 mg),lactose (60 mg) and maltose (140 mg) were mixed. After granulating usinga fluidized-bed dryer, sugar ester (6 mg) was added. The resultingcomposition (504 mg) was prepared into a tablet according to thecommonly employed method.

Formulation Example 3 Preparation of Drink

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (80 mg),vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), glucose (10 g), citric acid (0.6 g)and oligosaccharide syrup (25 g) were mixed. After adding purified water(300 mL), 200 mL of the resultant was filled in each bottle. Then, adrink was prepared by sterilizing at 130° C. for 4-5 seconds.

Formulation Example 4 Preparation of Granule

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (80 mg),vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), anhydrous crystalline glucose (250mg) and starch (550 mg) were mixed, granulated using a fluidized-bedgranulator, and filled in a pouch.

Formulation Example 5 Preparation of Soft Capsule

Astragalus membranaceus extract (40 mg), Saururus chinensis extract (40mg), vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), palm oil (2 mg), hydrogenatedvegetable oil (8 mg), yellow beeswax (4 mg) and lecithin (9 mg) weremixed and prepared into a soft capsule filling solution according to thecommonly employed method. 400 mg of the filling solution was filled pereach capsule to prepare a soft capsule. Separately from this, a softcapsule sheet was prepared from gelatin (66 wt %), glycerin 24 (wt %)and sorbitol (10 wt %). Then, the filling solution was filled to preparea soft capsule containing 400 mg of the composition according to thepresent disclosure.

Formulation Example 6 Preparation of Tablet

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix and roseextracts (20 mg each) were mixed with vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9mg), galactooligosaccharide (200 mg), lactose (60 mg) and maltose (140mg). After granulating using a fluidized-bed dryer, sugar ester (6 mg)was added. The resulting composition (504 mg) was prepared into a tabletaccording to the commonly employed method.

Formulation Example 7 Preparation of Drink

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis and Glycyrrhizae radixextracts (same weight) were mixed to prepare a mixture (80 mg). Aftermixing the mixture with vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg), glucose (10g), citric acid (0.6 g) and oligosaccharide syrup (25 g) and addingpurified water (300 mL), 200 mL of the resultant was filled in eachbottle. Then, a drink was prepared by sterilizing at 130° C. for 4-5seconds.

Formulation Example 8 Preparation of Granule

Rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts(20 mg each) were mixed with vitamin E (9 mg), vitamin C (9 mg),anhydrous crystalline glucose (250 mg) and starch (550 mg), granulatedusing a fluidized-bed granulator, and filled in a pouch.

Formulation Example 9 Preparation of Emollient Lotion (Skin Lotion)

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (0.3mg), butylene glycol (6.0 mg), propylene glycol (6.0 mg), carboxyvinylpolymer (0.3 mg), PEG-12 nonyl phenyl ether (0.6 mg), Polysorbate 80(1.2 mg), ethanol (30.0 mg), triethanolamine (0.3 mg) and purified water(255 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (smallquantities) and prepared into an emollient lotion according to thecommonly employed method by adding each component in the above amountsand mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 10 Preparation of Nourishing Lotion (Milk Lotion)

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (0.3mg), beeswax (12.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (4.5 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate(4.5 mg), liquid paraffin (1.5 mg), Montana 202 (Seppic, 15 mg),glycerin (9.0 mg), butylene glycol (9.0 mg), propylene glycol (9.0 mg),carboxyvinyl polymer (0.3 mg), triethanolamine (0.6 mg) and purifiedwater (234 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance(small quantities) and prepared into a nourishing lotion according tothe commonly employed method by adding each component in the aboveamounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 11 Preparation of Massage Cream

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (0.3mg), beeswax (30.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (4.5 mg), PEG 60 hydrogenatedcastor oil (6.0 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate (2.4 mg), liquid paraffin(120.0 mg), squalane (15.0 mg), Montana 202 (Seppic, 12.0 mg), glycerin(15.0 mg), butylene glycol (12.0 mg), propylene glycol (12.0 mg),triethanolamine (0.6 mg) and purified water (70 mg) were mixed withpreservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities) and prepared intoa massage cream according to the commonly employed method by adding eachcomponent in the above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 12 Preparation of Pack

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (0.5mg), beta-1,3-glucan (1.0 mg), polyvinyl alcohol (13.0 mg), sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose (0.2 mg), glycerin (5.0 mg), allantoin (0.1 mg),ethanol (6.0 mg), PEG-12 nonyl phenyl ether (0.3 mg) and Polysorbate 60(0.3 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (smallquantities). After adding purified water, the mixture was prepared intoa pack according to the commonly employed method by adding eachcomponent in the above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 13 Preparation of Gel

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (0.05mg), beta-1,3-glucan (0.1 mg), sodium ethylenediamine acetate (0.05 mg),glycerin (5.0 mg), carboxyvinyl polymer (0.3 mg), ethanol (5.0 mg),PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil (0.5 mg) and triethanolamine (0.3 mg)were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities).After adding purified water, the mixture was prepared into a gelaccording to the commonly employed method by adding each component inthe above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 14 Preparation of Emollient Lotion (Skin Lotion)

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis and Glycyrrhizae radixextracts (0.1 mg each), butylene glycol (6.0 mg), propylene glycol (6.0mg), carboxyvinyl polymer (0.3 mg), PEG-12 nonyl phenyl ether (0.6 mg),Polysorbate 80 (1.2 mg), ethanol (30.0 mg), triethanolamine (0.3 mg) andpurified water (255 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment andfragrance (small quantities) and prepared into an emollient lotionaccording to the commonly employed method by adding each component inthe above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 15 Preparation of Nourishing Lotion (Milk Lotion)

Astragalus membranaceus and Saururus chinensis extracts (0.15 mg each),beeswax (12.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (4.5 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate (4.5mg), liquid paraffin (1.5 mg), Montana 202 (Seppic, 15 mg), glycerin(9.0 mg), butylene glycol (9.0 mg), propylene glycol (9.0 mg),carboxyvinyl polymer (0.3 mg), triethanolamine (0.6 mg) and purifiedwater (234 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance(small quantities) and prepared into a nourishing lotion according tothe commonly employed method by adding each component in the aboveamounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 16 Preparation of Massage Cream

Rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts(0.075 mg each), beeswax (30.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (4.5 mg), PEG 60hydrogenated castor oil (6.0 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate (2.4 mg), liquidparaffin (120.0 mg), squalane (15.0 mg), Montana 202 (Seppic, 12.0 mg),glycerin (15.0 mg), butylene glycol (12.0 mg), propylene glycol (12.0mg), triethanolamine (0.6 mg) and purified water (70 mg) were mixed withpreservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities) and prepared intoa massage cream according to the commonly employed method by adding eachcomponent in the above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 17 Preparation of Pack

Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts (0.25 mg each),beta-1,3-glucan (1.0 mg), polyvinyl alcohol (13.0 mg), sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose (0.2 mg), glycerin (5.0 mg), allantoin (0.1 mg),ethanol (6.0 mg), PEG-12 nonyl phenyl ether (0.3 mg) and Polysorbate 60(0.3 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (smallquantities). After adding purified water, the mixture was prepared intoa pack according to the commonly employed method by adding eachcomponent in the above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 18 Preparation of Gel

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, roseand rhubarb extracts (0.01 mg each), beta-1,3-glucan (0.1 mg), sodiumethylenediamine acetate (0.05 mg), glycerin (5.0 mg), carboxyvinylpolymer (0.3 mg), ethanol (5.0 mg), PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil (0.5mg) and triethanolamine (0.3 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigmentand fragrance (small quantities). After adding purified water, themixture was prepared into a gel according to the commonly employedmethod by adding each component in the above amounts and mixinguniformly.

Formulation Example 19 Preparation of Ointment for External SkinApplication

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (2.0mg), beta-1,3-glucan (10.0 mg), beeswax (10.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (5.0mg), PEG 60 hydrogenated castor oil (2.0 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate (0.5mg), vaseline (5.0 mg), liquid paraffin (10.0 mg), squalane (5.0 mg),shea butter (3.0 mg), caprylic/capric triglyceride (5.0 mg), glycerin(10 mg), propylene glycol (10.2 mg) and triethanolamine (0.2 mg) weremixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities). Afteradding purified water, the mixture was prepared into an ointmentaccording to the commonly employed method by adding each component inthe above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 20 Preparation of Patch for Topical Application

Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose,rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus or Phellodendri cortex extract (1.0mg), beta-1,3-glucan (3.0 mg), hexylene glycol (20.0 mg), diethylamine(0.7 mg), polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 934P, 1.0 mg), sodium sulfite (0.1mg), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (E.O=9, 1.0 mg), polyhydroxyethylenecetyl stearyl ether (Cetomacrogol 1000, 1.0 mg), viscous paraffin oil(2.5 mg), caprylic/capric ester (Cetiol LC, 2.5 mg) and PEG 400 (3.0 mg)were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities).After adding purified water, the mixture was prepared into a patchaccording to the commonly employed method by adding each component inthe above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 21 Preparation of Ointment for External SkinApplication

Astragalus membranaceus and Saururus chinensis extracts (1.0 mg each),beta-1,3-glucan (10.0 mg), beeswax (10.0 mg), Polysorbate 60 (5.0 mg),PEG 60 hydrogenated castor oil (2.0 mg), sorbitan sesquiolate (0.5 mg),vaseline (5.0 mg), liquid paraffin (10.0 mg), squalane (5.0 mg), sheabutter (3.0 mg), caprylic/capric triglyceride (5.0 mg), glycerin (10mg), propylene glycol (10.2 mg) and triethanolamine (0.2 mg) were mixedwith preservative, pigment and fragrance (small quantities). Afteradding purified water, the mixture was prepared into an ointmentaccording to the commonly employed method by adding each component inthe above amounts and mixing uniformly.

Formulation Example 22 Preparation of Patch for Topical Application

Rose, rhubarb, Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex extracts(0.25 mg each), beta-1,3-glucan (3.0 mg), hexylene glycol (20.0 mg),diethylamine (0.7 mg), polyacrylic acid (Carbopol 934P, 1.0 mg), sodiumsulfite (0.1 mg), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (E.O=9, 1.0 mg),polyhydroxyethylene cetyl stearyl ether (Cetomacrogol 1000, 1.0 mg),viscous paraffin oil (2.5 mg), caprylic/capric ester (Cetiol LC, 2.5 mg)and PEG 400 (3.0 mg) were mixed with preservative, pigment and fragrance(small quantities). After adding purified water, the mixture wasprepared into a patch according to the commonly employed method byadding each component in the above amounts and mixing uniformly.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to thespecific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the followingclaims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The composition according to the present disclosure is efficacious insuppressing acnegenic pigmentation and/or pitted scars, and can be usedto advantage in various ways in the fields of cosmetics, foods anddrugs.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A method for suppressing acnegenic pigmentationcomprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprisingone or more extracts selected from the group consisting of Astragalusmembranaceus, rhubarb (Rheum undulatum), and Acanthopanax senticosus toa subject in need thereof.
 11. A method for aftercare of acne comprisingadministering an effective amount of a composition comprising an extractof Astragalus membranaceus to a subject in need thereof.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the composition further comprises one ormore extracts selected from the group consisting of Saururus chinensis,Glycyrrhizae radix, and rose.
 13. The method according to claim 11,wherein the composition further comprises one or more extracts selectedfrom the group consisting of Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix,rose, rhubarb (Rheum undulatum), Acanthopanax senticosus, andPhellodendri cortex.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein thecomposition is a composition for external skin application.
 15. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein one or more extracts selected fromthe group consisting of Astragalus membranaceus, Saururus chinensis,Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb (Rheum undulatum), Acanthopanaxsenticosus, and Phellodendri cortex is present in the composition in anamount of 0.1-20 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. 16.The method according to claim 10, wherein the composition is a cosmeticcomposition.
 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein thecomposition is a pharmaceutical composition.
 18. The method according toclaim 10, wherein the composition is a food additive or health food. 19.The method according to claim 11, wherein the composition is a foodadditive or health food composition.
 20. A method for suppressingacnegenic pigmentation comprising administering an effective amount of acomposition to a subject in need thereof, wherein the compositioncomprises: one or more extracts selected from the group consisting ofAstragalus membranaceus, rhubarb (Rheum undulatum), Acanthopanaxsenticosus, and Phellodendri cortex; and one or more extracts selectedfrom the group consisting of Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, androse.
 21. A method for inhibiting acnegenic sebum production comprisingadministering an effective amount of a composition comprising one ormore extracts selected from the group consisting of Astragalusmembranaceus, Saururus chinensis, Glycyrrhizae radix, rose, rhubarb,Acanthopanax senticosus and Phellodendri cortex to a subject in needthereof.